Zoot Suits Return to La Jolla

When most people think of the 1940’s they envision a scene from Casablanca: with fedoras, trench coats, and perfect makeup. However, Kristin Brandt now sees Zoot Suits. A graduate of UCSD theater program in La Jolla, Brandt returns to direct the retelling of the infamous 1943 “Zoot Suit Riots.” The San Diego Reparatory Theatre play will be taking place at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza until August 12, 2012.

The tale is based on the Sleepy Lagoon Murder Trial in Los Angeles. The play reenacts the scapegoat-ing of Latin youth who dressed in the so-called “Zoot Suits.” The 175 Pachuco were held in custody for various crimes, and the murder was never solved. Rioting ensued across the city, as the Latin people were enraged at the injustice against their youth. Luis Valdez was the first the write the script for this play, which became the first Chicano play on Broadway, in 1979.

The actors of “Zoot Suit Riots” portray the racial tension. The dancing and music are both relevant to the progression of the story and the historical aspects of the time. Music is played by a live band, mixing Latin Jazz and 1940s big band into an upbeat accompaniment for the equally vivacious choreography. Javier Valesco, who has produced dances for the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old globe, and the San Diego Reparatory Theatre, writes both the music and the choreography for “Zoot Suit Riots.”

After seeing the contemporary re-telling of the “Zoot Suit Riots” dive deeper into contemporary artistic expression by visiting Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street, in La Jolla. The La Jolla art gallery exhibits urban and lowbrow art by local artists and is open 12-4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Source: http://www.lajollalight.com/2012/07/17/ucsd-alumni-tackle-gritty-swinging-tale-of-zoot-suit-riots/